Last Updated on 1 year by Charbel Coorey
Cricket News: Slightly concerned about future of Test cricket – Steve Smith | Smith speaks about the future of Test cricket
Australia batsman Steve Smith recently expressed his concern regarding the longest format of the game slowly dying out because of the massively increased focus on shorter formats of the game. The 34-year old, however, added that he believes Test cricket in in safe hands as things stand, with thrilling matches over the past few years helping increase attention on the format.
“Yeah, I am slightly concerned. But yeah, hopefully Test cricket still stays alive and well. I think it’s in a good place at the moment. In terms of some of the games we’ve seen recently have been pretty amazing. So, yeah, for me as a, I suppose, a traditionalist, someone that loves Test cricket, I hope it still remains at the front of all the board’s minds and stays alive and well for some time to come,” Smith said.
WTC important to the future of Test cricket – Smith
Talking about the ICC World Test Championship, he heaped praise on the concept. He is of the opinion that this competition gives the players something to play for in Test cricket. According to him, this concept adds more relevance to the format, and makes it interesting to watch and play.
“Oh, I mean it’s really important. I think the World Test Championship now, having the two best teams play in a final, I think that’s great. It adds a little bit more relevance, I suppose, to Test cricket. So it’s what we all work towards for a couple of years. And this week should be an exciting one and yeah the guys are looking forward to it,” added Smith.
Yeah, I am slightly concerned. But yeah, hopefully Test cricket still stays alive and well. I think it’s in a good place at the moment. In terms of some of the games we’ve seen recently have been pretty amazing.
Steve Smith
Smith was also asked to draw a comparison between how similar or how different the buildup for a WTC final is in contrast to that for an ODI or T20 World Cup final. In response, he said that he has never thought of it in that way, but praised the buildup in general and the energy in the camp.
“Yeah, I’m not really sure. I haven’t thought too much about it in that aspect. It’s obviously been a good couple of years of Test cricket and to play in a final of the World Test Championship is pretty special. But yeah, I don’t know, until we sort of go out there and get started, I don’t know how it’ll feel. But it’s been a good build up the last few days. We’ve had some good days training down in Beckenham and we get to have a hit at the Oval today and tomorrow. So, we’re looking forward to that. But yeah, it should be a really good week,” the 34-year old added.
Smith later talked about how good India’s bowling attack is. He admitted that Australia will have to play their best cricket against India to have a chance at winning the WTC 2023 Final.
“I think they’ve got a good mix obviously of quality seam bowlers. Shami and Siraj, probably their two main guys who have really good skills and I think the Dukes ball suits them nicely. And then obviously their spinners as well, who bowl really well in all conditions. So, I think they’re a good attack and yeah, we’re going to have to play well against them this week,” Smith concluded.
The game between Australia and India begins on June 7, and the winner walks away with the WTC mace.
